Top 10 X-Factors For 2016 — No. 6
July 11th, 2016
Streak-breaker?
The Bucs have a pile of key question marks entering the 2016 season. Most teams do.
For this countdown series, Joe looks at this year’s top X-factors, guys with question marks who could be great difference-makers, positive or negative, based on changes in their performances.
Brent Grimes – No. 6
Old man cornerback Brent Grimes can still ball. That’s why the Bucs are paying him about $8 million this year, and that’s why Rex Ryan got all flustered when Joe asked him about Grimes in March.
Grimes is a true No. 1 corner, and the Bucs haven’t had one of those in the building since Lovie Smith and Jason Licht cut surefire Hall of Famer Darrelle Revis in his prime. (When was the last time a Hall of Famer was cut in his prime?)
Everyone knows Bucs cornerback play was poor last season, so there’s a load on Grimes’ back. Not only will he be expected to lead with his play, he’ll set the tone and example for rookie corner Vernon Hargreaves, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2016 draft.
Licht called Grimes a “bridge” free agent. Last Joe checked, bridges are awfully critical to help you get from one place to another. No, Joe is not expecting 21-year-old Hargreaves to be sound and strong out of the gate. And Joe wouldn’t wager that Alterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks are cured of their PTSD after being tortured by Coach My Scheme.
If Grimes can somehow manage to be the player he was the past three seasons in Miami, the Bucs will be greatly improved on defense, and Licht finally will have scored on a big-name free agent.
Jameis Winston – No. 7
Charles Sims – No. 8
J.R. Sweezy – No. 9
Gerald McCoy — No. 10
July 11th, 2016 at 10:57 am
Not too familar with Grimes career except for what I’ve read here at JBF. I figure to bolster the defense pass defenders will prove some value. The Dolphin fans raved about him until he left, so much sour grapes. Go Grimes! Pick off Ryan in the opener.
July 11th, 2016 at 11:17 am
Adding Grimes and Hargreaves and getting bounce back seasons from Verner and Banks is going to have major impact this season
July 11th, 2016 at 11:35 am
I still think we are going to need to bring another man to blitz/stunt to add pressure
**Most teams do. getting pressure from only base defenses are only done by top 5 nfl defenses. very few have the def fronts
Is David and Kwon going to be the blitzer/extra man in? Safety blitze(who?) Both of these guys might have +7 sacks totals each
I think alot of man 2 man island coverage for our corners this year
*last year was “let them drive 80 yards and stop them in the red zone”…
this year ” 3 and out”
July 11th, 2016 at 11:40 am
Unless our dline can suddenly pressure the qb on a consistent basis, it seems blitzing LVD is inevitable.
July 11th, 2016 at 11:43 am
Grimes has at least a couple good years left in him – maybe more. I believe this will turn out to be a very good FA signing. The Bucs defensive backfield got way better the day we signed Brent Grimes. Drafting VH3 (who is almost exactly the same type of player/athlete) so that Grimes could mentor him was also very smart. Weakness turned into strength – just like that. Nice job Jason Licht!
July 11th, 2016 at 12:16 pm
The front office has proven little in the free agency Dept………Because of that I am weary on Grimes. He always scared me when he played for the Falcons. But mother time could have something different to say about him now.
I heard on the radio today somebody say that Grimes will be very helpful with our younger CBs which sounds great. I wonder if Brent was brought in to help with these young players or to bring his playmaking ability on Sundays………or both?
July 11th, 2016 at 12:34 pm
I am betting on VH3 to be ready to go out of the Gate Joe
MVP of the UnderArmour game. 3 time All SEC and 2 time All American. First Gator to be Unanimously selected All American since Joe Haden. Kid can ball and I can’t wait to see teams test him.
July 11th, 2016 at 12:38 pm
don’t forget josh robinson too….kid was decent until his acl injury…GO BUCS!!!
July 11th, 2016 at 1:23 pm
I agree, SB. Vernon has a lot of fight in him!
July 11th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
There’s all kinds of pressure on this ENTIRE defense, especially the DBs. I can’t help but think the position has been improved with the addition of Grimes. Hopefully it’ll rub off on some of the holdovers.
July 11th, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Joe….no article about Miko….she is more f an X factor than Brent right now. National media all over your girl, and rightfully so……your comment?
July 12th, 2016 at 8:57 am
I think Brent will be a huge help not only on the field but off it in teaching n mentoring the VH3. He’s theerect guy to have around right now and will prove to be a great signing this season when he’s picking off the likes of Matty ice cold and Drew Brees. If we ciuld only get his mouthy wife to shut up we would be good.
My no. 1 X factor: ASJ
no. 2: Mike Smith